Cherry core bass question.
I am pretty new to Ken Smith basses, and high end bass guitars in general. I have been shopping around for about 2 weeks now. The first KSB I tried was this http://www.kurosawagakki.com/items/detail/142648.html. It is a BSR5EGF with a gorgeous walnut top, and cherry Core. I was immediately struck by the sweetness of the tone-especially in the low notes. I later tried three more Ken Smiths (maple core) - a comparably priced neck thru, a much cheaper bolt on model and a four string neck thru. These were all very good instruments as well. I was surprised to discover that these instruments all had prominent overtones in the sound. If I played a low B-flat on the A string, the sustain lasts very long and the body of the bass brings out the D two octaves and a third higher. I am not sure if it was the same on all of Ken Smiths I tried, but it sold me on the importance of tone woods and care in the construction of a bass guitar. The latter 3 instruments I tried all fell short when it came to the lows. None of them had the thick satisfying fundamental on the E and B strings. I know it is hard to describe in words what a mean - the other basses had a harder tone with less fundamental in the lows, and this first bass I tried. I had a couple questions that I was hoping Ken might answer
Is this difference typical for cherry wood or is it just this bass? Do you make any extra long scale basses-35, 36" I also tested a Carl Thompson with a 36" scale and really liked the extra tension in the strings. I guess you don't, but just thought I'd ask. Lastly, I just wanted to see if you remember this particular bass in the link- 2008, 7 piece top with a cherry Core, ebony lined fretless fingerboard. It is a fantastic bass and I am really close to buying it. I want to know if is a particularly unusual instrument? Do you feel it is a fair price for this bass? Thanks! |
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Thanks
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I bought the bass yesterday- I guess I could get a comparable instrument from your factory for a bit less money, but my impatience got the better of me. Since no two instruments sound exactly alike (even with the same woods) I figured I should get the one that sounds best in my hands rather than order a new one. I was pleased to learn that electric basses can be built with the sound as the primary goal (not only the look). I had made up a dream bass in my mind that included a spalted maple top and matching headstock... I am glad to have met a few of your basses to remind me that no serious musical instrument maker would use rotten wood. Nice to know electric basses can be made as musical instruments. Thanks!
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I'm sure she's a real beaut, but do you mind please sharing some pics? :)
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Better late than never
Sorry for neglecting request for photos.
Sorry also if the green carpet makes the whole picture green. I am not much of a photographer. These pictures were taken shortly after buying the bass. http://www.smithbassforums.com/album.php?albumid=45 I have really enjoyed this bass. Thanks again to Ken and company. |
Beautiful bass!
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I have a BSR4EG with exhibition grade walnut top and a cherry core. It has been my main studio four string for over 10 years. The cherry does have a deeper tone than any of the maple core basses I have owned, but I feel it is not as strong on lows as a walnut core. I usually like to mix a harder wood like cocobolo with a softer core like walnut or mahogany. This usually gives a solid low end with good clarity and sparkle on the top end. I feel the cherry core is decent for the low E, but for a more solid low B I prefer the walnut core. No matter what, there are always anomalies, and some basses just seem to defy logic. The important thing is it is almost impossible to get a bad sounding Smith bass, no matter what wood it is composed of.
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Wood combinations on Smith basses
I agree. Cocobolo top and back with a soft wood, makes for a nice low end with the sparkle in the high freqs. My MD7 has this combination of woods, incredible instrument.
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I just ordered a BSR6EG with Cocobolo tops and backs, and Walnut core. I can't wait to get it.
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I can't wait to A/B the tone with my Black Tiger 5.
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It sounds like the walnut core has a more meatier tone. More grudge.
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